Santa Claus Is Coming To Tampa Town

TAMPA, FL — Before he gets too busy at his North Pole workshop, Santa will make a special visit to Tampa Saturday for the annual Santa Fest and Christmas Parade.

This year's Christmas parade promises to be the largest ever with 95 floats, Krewes, dance troops, service organizations, bands, fire engines and festive classic cars.

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. at Madison and Pierce streets, heading west on Madison before turning north onto Ashley Drive where it will end at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

Parade viewers are encouraged to arrive by 9 a.m. to avoid road closures and to get good seats along the parade route.

Here's a tip: the best viewing is along Madison Street from Pierce Street To Tampa Streets.

Parking will be available on Royal Street, 1200 N. Tampa Street; Jackson Street at East Kennedy Boulevard and Jackson Street; and the Ft. Brooke Garage, 107 N. Franklin St.

After the parade, the fun continues at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with the 38th annual Santa Fest. Hosted by Friends of Tampa Recreation and the Tampa Parks & Recreation, there will be keepsake photos with Santa, holiday entertainment, games, bounce houses, a rock wall and make-n-take crafts. The festival continues until 4 p.m.

After the festival, stroll through Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive.

The family-friendly Winter Village attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. It features an 5,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink along the Hillsborough River, holiday light shows choreographed to music and other activities.

The Shops of Winter Village feature 10 boutiques located in PODS containers, offering decorative items, apparel, handmade toys, jewelry and dog accessories.

Vendors, including Icicles Craft Kitchen, Kahwa Coffee and Forever Pops, will offer seasonal food and drinks at the village.

Ice skating tickets include 90 minutes of skating and skate rental. Tickets will be available at the ice rink entrance for $15.

Winter Village hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.